Grocery Store Replaces Redbox Kiosk With Pokemon TCG Machine

A grocery store in the US replaced its Redbox kiosk with a Pokemon TCG vending machine. The strategy-based game has endured for decades as generations of Pokemon TCG fans continue collecting and trading cards with other trainers around the world.

Fans of the Pokemon Trading Card Game have seen some exciting releases this year in line with the franchise’s ninth generation, including the Stellar Crown expansion pack based on the Scarlet and Violet Indigo Disk DLC. Many are also looking forward to upcoming 2024 releases, including Scarlet & Violet – Surging Sparks, which will feature rare Stellar Tera Pokemon EX cards. Those who snagged the newest cards may already be setting up their competitive decks before the next TCG tournament, or filling up their binders with rare pulls.

For those who are still new to the Pokemon TCG scene, The Pokemon Company is making cards more accessible by introducing vending machines selling various packs. A Pokemon fan named protoman86 found a machine in a grocery store in Portland, Oregon, explaining to the community that it had replaced the location’s Redbox kiosk. The user’s photo shows a touchscreen machine with the likes of Stellar Crown and Twilight Masquerade expansion packs available for purchase.

Pokemon TCG Vending Machine Spotted in Grocery Store

In the post’s comments, many Pokemon TCG fans expressed their surprise and excitement over the vending machine, with many hoping to find one locally. Some also pointed out that this might be Pokemon‘s way of preventing TCG theft, which has happened many times in various locations both in the US and overseas.

According to Pokemon Center Support, the Pokemon TCG vending machines are mostly located in the US and are stocked with Elite Trainer Boxes, Booster Packs, and other TCG products. It also emphasized that The Pokemon Company operates the machines and makes decisions on where they are installed, emphasizing that it has no plans to sell machines to hobby stores.

US States With Pokemon TCG Vending Machines

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Nevada
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington

Apart from physical cards and booster packs, many fans are also looking forward to playing the trading card game in the upcoming mobile app Pokemon TCG Pocket. Set to launch very soon, Pokemon TCG Pocket is designed to be a more casual experience for players, allowing them to collect cards and compete against other players while on the go. The game will also feature the Genetic Apex set, which has 226 Pokemon cards mostly belonging to Generation 1, along with daily booster pack openings to help fans collect cards faster.

Pokemon TCG

Pokemon TCG (Trading Card Game) is a collectible and strategy based card game based on Nintendo’s Pokemon franchise. Two players face off against one another, battling one Pokemon at a time and attempting to knock them out to claim one of six prize cards. The cards have also become highly collectible with some in particular selling for thousands of dollars. 

Original Release Date

October 20, 1996